Methods for the prevention and treatment of animal skin conditions

ABSTRACT

A method for treating a skin condition of an animal includes identifying an animal skin treatment area having a wound, a scratch or other adverse skin condition; optionally making a determination that the treatment area is at risk for skin maceration; and, in response, applying a skin treatment composition to the treatment area. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises a solid particulate material such as zinc oxide, water and a fluid base material selected from the group consisting of mineral oil, silicone oil, plant-based oil and mixtures thereof. The composition may further include additives such as lanolin, petrolatum, and paraffin, among others. In a preferred embodiment, the applying includes spraying the composition on the treatment area, for example by using an atomizer.

BACKGROUND

A variety of problematic skin conditions afflict animals, theseconditions being caused by various etiologies, but typically beingmanifestations of physical or chemical breakdown of skin. Distressedskin is particularly susceptible to breakdown. Skin conditions may becaused, for example, by injury or other physical trauma, such as forexample injury caused by bites, scratches, friction, cuts or otherwounds; exposure to the elements, such as for example moisture orextreme temperatures; exposure to chemical irritants; or action ofpests, such as, for example, parasites, microbes or insects (e.g., fleasor flies). The conditions can also be caused or exacerbated byinfections or by self-inflicted injury (also referred to herein as“self-mutilation”), such as biting or scratching at an irritated area.Self-inflicted injury is a particular concern, as it can aggravate lesssevere issues, and can increase both healing time and the likelihood ofinfection, and ultimately could lead to death.

Various topical treatments, such as ointments, creams, and lotions, havebeen used to treat such animal skin conditions. The most effective ofthese typically contain pharmaceutical active ingredients. However,issues with proper application limit the effectiveness of the treatmentproducts. For example, many products require a high frequency ofapplication in some cases three to six times per day to maintainadequate treatment. Conventional ointments, creams, and lotions areoften applied in thick layers; however, hair or fur can create physicalbarriers that often reduce the intimate contact of the treatmentcomposition to the skin.

In some instances, topical products formulated for human treatment havebeen used to treat a skin condition of an animal; however, a commonproblem with the use of such topical products to treat an animal is thehigher incidence of the animal ingesting the product as a result oflicking its wound. Ingestion of a pharmaceutically active ingredientthat is formulated for human topical use can be very detrimental to thehealth of the animal. Moreover, products formulated for human usetypically also include ancillary ingredients that can enhance theanimal's tendency to ingest the product and/or can be detrimental to ananimal's health if ingested. Examples of such ancillary ingredientsinclude preservatives, surfactants, and certain fragrances. Applicationof a thick coating of such ointments and/or matting of the ointment infur can make poisoning an even greater concern. To combat this issue,skin care products formulated for use on animal are typically highlydiluted to reduce their toxicity in the case of ingestion.

Thicker coatings of ointments, creams, and lotions are especiallyproblematic in that they inhibit oxygen from passing through the coatingto the skin/wound site. Oxygen is needed to promote cell growth, andstarving the wound from oxygen inhibits healing. Moreover, thickercoatings also have the additional problem of inhibiting moisture (e.g.,exudate and perspiration) from leaving the skin surface. Containment ofsuch exudate and/or perspiration in contact with the skin can result inskin maceration that weakens the skin, rendering it more susceptible toinfection, skin tears, and the like. Moreover, the warm, moistenvironment promotes microbial and fungal growth that can lead toinfection.

Skincare products used for animals are typically less effective thanthose used on humans for a variety of reasons. Moreover, animals oftenare not accepting of the product application, which can potentially leadto a dangerous situation for the caregiver. Animals often remove foreignmatter from the skin through rubbing or licking, thereby shorteningtreatment time. Additionally, application of a physical barrier, such asa bandage or dressing, over an ointment to inhibit the animal fromcontacting or removing the ointment typically further aggravates theanimal, resulting in potential further injury incidental to attempts toremove the covering.

There remains a need for improved topical products for treating the skinof an animal that address the one or more of the above and/or otherproblems and/or improve outcomes compared to products in the prior art.The present invention addresses this need and provides other benefitsand advantages.

SUMMARY

While the actual nature of the invention covered herein can only bedetermined with reference to the claims appended hereto, certain formsof the invention that are characteristic of the embodiments disclosedherein are described briefly as follows.

In general, the present invention is directed to methods of treating andpreventing skin conditions common to livestock, household pets, andother animals. The non-toxic compositions described herein applied asdescribed herein lubricate and/or moisturize the skin through a thinlayer—for example, less than half a millimeter—of the concentratedformula. A thin coating of one of the disclosed compositions iseffective because the water content is considerably below that of otherproducts, providing a hydrophobic formula that strongly and immediatelyadheres to the skin to create a moisture barrier that is difficult forthe animal to remove.

Hydrophobic treatment compositions disclosed herein promote healing ofproblem skin areas of animals. The compositions have antimicrobial andantifungal properties, are nontoxic, and form a moisture barrier forexternal moisture while allowing internal moisture (e.g., exudate andperspiration) to diffuse through the coating to prevent maceration. Thecompositions also allow oxygen to diffuse to the skin through thecoating to promote healing. This disclosure also describes the sprayapplication of the compositions to a selected skin treatment areawithout the need for the person administering the treatment to directlycontact the composition or the skin of the animal. Application of thetreatment composition is accomplished by forming the composition into amist or spray using an atomizing spray dispenser.

The compositions and application methods described herein can be used totreat skin conditions found on a wide variety of animals, includinglivestock (e.g., horse, cow, pig, sheep, and chicken), household pets(e.g., dog, cat, bird, hamster, gerbil, rabbit, guinea pig, ferret,mouse, and even exotic animals such as reptiles and amphibians). Thecompositions and application methods are also highly effective when usedto treat other mammal species (e.g., zoo animals such as elephants,hippos, camels, zebras, etc.) whose skin is susceptible to drying andcracking.

In one form of the invention, a method includes selecting an animal skintreatment area, and applying a treatment composition onto the treatmentarea. In various embodiments, the selecting includes identifying a skinlocation having an injury, rash, wound, or other adverse condition. Incertain embodiments, the selecting further includes determining acharacteristic of the treatment area, for example whether it issensitive to the touch, or whether it is at risk for skin maceration.

The composition includes a fluid base material, and in certainembodiments further includes a solid particulate material. In someembodiments, the solid particulate material is zinc oxide, and the fluidbase material comprises at least one of a mineral oil, a plant-basedoil, and a silicone oil. In some embodiments, one or more of the fluidcomponent, the solid component or an additional ingredient has a foultaste, which deters the animal from licking the composition off the skintreatment area, and also deters biting from both the animal and insects.

The composition may further include one or more additives, such as forsoothing the wound, providing a selective moisture barrier, fightinginfections, modifying the viscosity, or altering the appearance, scentor taste of the composition. These additives can be also selected to benon-toxic for the animal treatments.

Applying the composition is performed such that only the compositioncomes into contact with the treatment area. In other words, the wound isnot contacted by an application medium, such as a swab, pad, or finger.This is accomplished by passing the composition through a sprayingmechanism, such as an atomizer or mister.

The compositions and application methods disclosed herein have a varietyof advantages over traditional rub-in ointments, creams and lotions inthe prior art, including for example one or more of the following: (i)in view of the concentrated, strongly hydrophobic characteristics ofvarious composition embodiments described herein, less material isrequired for adequate treatment/protection; (ii) spray applicationsubstantially reduces the likelihood of skin breakdown that is morelikely to occur when using a rub-in ointment; (iii) compositionembodiments that are clear/translucent allow viewing of the skin woundbed versus opaqueness associated with traditional ointments; (iv) thecomposition embodiments are nontoxic to the animals; (v) sprayapplication can be achieved quickly and the applied compositions areresistant to rub-off and run-off; (vi) low viscosity of the compositionsunder shear provide improved wetting of the skin and have improvedability to by-pass physical barriers such as hair; (vii) sprayapplication reduces waste of the product; (viii) spray applicationreduces or eliminates physical contact by the caregiver, which can bepainful; (ix) skin pain is reduced when treating wounds with open skinand/or exposed nerve endings by the oily ingredients coating and“sealing” the wound site; (x) oxygen is allowed to transfer to theskin/wound site at a higher rate; (xi) moisture (e.g., exudates andperspiration) is allowed to transfer from the skin/wound site at ahigher rate to prevent maceration of the skin; (xii) drying is avoidedin embodiments with high oil content and low water content; (xiii) useof non-flavorful ingredients and/or foul-tasting additives deter ananimal from self-mutilation and also can repel or inhibit insects; (xiv)highly hygroscopic composition embodiments adhere to the skin and aredifficult to rub-off or wash-off; (xv) highly hygroscopic compositionembodiments dehydrate and kill bacteria and fungi on the skin; and (xvi)highly hydrophobic composition embodiments protect the skin fromexternal moisture.

Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, objects, andadvantages of the present invention will become apparent from thedetailed description and figures provided herewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view, with a cut-out portion, of anexemplary atomizing spray dispenser.

FIG. 2 is a sectional side elevational view of a representativeatomizing pump spray dispenser.

FIG. 3 is a sectional side elevational view of a representativepiston-style dispenser.

FIG. 4 is a sectional side elevational view of a first representativebag-in-can style dispenser.

FIG. 5 is a sectional side elevational view of a second representativebag-in-can style dispenser.

FIG. 6 is a sectional side elevational view of a representative aerosoldispenser.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of clearly, concisely and exactly describing exemplaryembodiments of the invention, the manner and process of making and usingthe same, and to enable the practice, making and use of the same,reference will now be made to certain exemplary embodiments, includingthose illustrated in the figures, and specific language will be used todescribe the same. It shall be understood that no limitation of thescope of the invention is thereby created, and that the inventionincludes and protects such alterations, modifications, and furtherapplications of the exemplary embodiments as would occur to one skilledin the art to which the invention relates.

The present disclosure involves treatment compositions and methods thatpromote healing to common skin problems that afflict a variety ofanimals. The nontoxic compositions described herein are bothantimicrobial and antifungal because they are hygroscopic, removingcritical water necessary for microorganisms to live and grow. Inaddition, the compositions form a hydrophobic moisture barrier toprotect the skin from external moisture (e.g., urine, feces, rain water)while allowing internal moisture (e.g., exudate and perspiration) todiffuse through the coating to prevent maceration. Moreover, oxygen cantransfer back through the coating to the skin to promote cell growth andhealing. Due to the high level of hydrophobic fluids (e.g., mineral oil,silicone oil, plant-based oil, or mixtures thereof), the compositions donot become dried and caked on the skin over extended periods of time,minimizing friction and irritation while lubricating the skin overextended periods of time.

The compositions and methods disclosed herein address a number ofproblems associated with treating animal wounds and other adverse skinconditions by providing methods, compositions and systems for treatmentinvolving application of a composition as an atomized spray. Thiseliminates the often painful rub-in application required by conventionalointments, which can result in physical resistance from the animal. Aspray also reduces physical contact between animal and caregiver, whichcan reduce infection risk for both. The term “animal” as used herein isdefined as a non-human animal. Similarly, the term “mammal” as usedherein is defined as a non-human mammal. In one embodiment the animal isa livestock animal, such as, for example, a horse, cow, pig, goat, sheepor chicken. In another embodiment the animal is a household pet, suchas, for example, a dog, cat, bird, hamster, gerbil, rabbit, guinea pig,ferret or mouse. In yet other embodiments, the animal is a reptile or anamphibian. These lists are not intended to be limiting, however, itbeing understood that the present disclosure contemplates treatment ofadditional animals as well, such as, for example, an animal housed at azoo.

Provided by the present disclosure are methods for applying a variety oftreatment compositions to a selected animal skin treatment area withoutthe need for the person administering the treatment to directly contactthe composition or the skin of the animal. Generally speaking, themethod includes selecting an animal skin treatment area having aninjury, wound, or other adverse skin condition, and in response to theselecting, applying a treatment composition onto the treatment area.Illustrative embodiments of the composition and the delivery mechanismwill be first described, followed by processes for selecting thetreatment area.

Referring to FIG. 1, to practice the method, a treatment composition 5is placed into an atomizing spray dispenser 10. The dispenser ispreferably a container 20 equipped with a spray delivery mechanism 24configured to atomize and propel the composition toward a treatmentsurface. Compositions described herein exhibit excellent features forthe treatment of animal skin conditions. When a proper amount of thecomposition is atomized and propelled by a suitable atomizing spraydelivery mechanism, the composition forms a coating over the skinsurface, thereby providing a barrier to moisture, and a soothingfunction to the skin.

It is preferred that the composition have a suitably low viscosity thatit may be readily converted to an atomized spray, but that the viscositynot be too low because a viscosity that is too low may result in thecomposition running off of the treatment surface. The composition maycomprise a liquid, a combination of liquids or a combination of one ormore liquids and one or more solids that features a suitable viscosity.The proper viscosity can be attained at least in part by the selectionof a fluid base material.

The term “fluid base material” is used herein to refer to a fluid intowhich additional ingredients may be mixed, dissolved and/or suspended.In one embodiment the fluid base material comprises an oil having aviscosity of from about 1 centipoise to about 1000 centipoise. Exemplaryoils that may be used are mineral oils, silicone oils, plant-based oilsor mixtures thereof. The term “mineral oil” is used herein to refer to aliquid petroleum derivative. Exemplary commercially available mineraloils that may be used include Witco Corporation's CARNATION™ Mineral Oil(having a viscosity range of 9-12 centipoise) or Penreco Corporation'sDRAKEOL™ 7 Mineral Oil (having a viscosity of 9-11 centipoise).

The term “silicone oil” is used herein to refer to a liquid siliconecomposition. Exemplary silicone oils that may be used, for example, arecyclomethicone, dimethicone and derivatives thereof. Commerciallyavailable silicone oils include Dow Corning Corporation's 200polydimethylsiloxane fluids and GE Silicones' SF series of low viscositydimethyl fluids. Cyclomethicone is a volatile compound, and isadvantageously included in certain inventive compositions because itevaporates when applied to the skin's surface, making the coating moredry to the touch. Other volatile compounds may also be used in this way,including, for example, an organic solvent such as isododecane. Suchcompounds are particularly useful in embodiments that utilize an aerosoldispenser as the delivery mechanism (described in more detail below),because the volatile compounds may be used as liquid solvents in thecontainer that evaporate when dispensed from the container, leaving adrier coating on the skin surface.

The term “plant-based oil” is used herein to refer to a non-petroleumbiomass derived oil, such as a vegetable or fruit oil. By way ofnon-limiting example, the plant-based oil may include, for example, atleast one of linseed oil, jojoba oil, rapeseed oil, soybean oil, grapeseed oil, and sunflower oil. It is of course not intended that the fluidbase material be limited to the above exemplary compositions. As analternative to plant-based oil, silicone oil and mineral oil, anothermaterial that may be used as the fluid base material, or includedtherein, is cod liver oil.

The fluid base material may alternatively be water, an oil-in-wateremulsion or a water-in-oil emulsion. Inventive compositions includingwater or an emulsion as the base material may be preferable for someuses, as such compositions have a less greasy feel. The inclusion ofwater in the composition can provide additional advantages, such asreducing the cost of the composition, providing a source of moisture fordry skin, and enabling inclusion of additional hydrophilic ingredientsthat would not become suitably dissolved or dispersed in an oil-basedcomposition.

When water is included in a composition that also comprises one or moreoils, it is readily understood that an emulsifying agent will typicallybe necessary to produce a stable mix of the water and nonaqueousingredients in the composition. Examples of suitable emulsifiers thatmay be used include cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol andglycerol monolaurate. It is of course not intended that this list belimiting but simply provide examples of emulsifiers that may be used.Additional suitable emulsifiers are set forth on pages 90 to 94 of theC.T.F.A. Cosmetic Ingredient Handbook, First Edition, 1988, which ishereby incorporated by reference. Further guidance to the preparation ofstable emulsions generally may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,417,961 toNearn et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In certain embodiments, the composition comprises at least about 1percent solid particulate material by weight and at least about 20percent by weight of a fluid base material. The solid particulatematerial may include one or more of particulate zinc oxide, talc,calamine or kaolin. Each of these particulate materials ishygroscopic—that is, they tend to absorb water. The hydrophobicoil-based fluid restricts the diffusion of water to the hygroscopicsolid, resulting in a controlled absorption of moisture, so as to notover-dry the skin's surface.

The hygroscopic components help absorb moisture—such as exudate andperspiration—that diffuses through the skin surface. Other absorptivecompounds, for example, humectants, could be used for this purpose, butthe preferred materials (zinc oxide and petrolatum, discussed below) arealso FDA-approved active ingredients as skin protectants. Thus, thepreferred compositions can have the recommended concentrations of skinprotectants while minimizing additional ingredients that could beirritating, or have other side-effects.

The low water fraction in the hydrophobic formulas reduces the amount ofcaking on the skin as the water evaporates. This is in contrast to thehard, gritty residue resulting from the drying of ointments, lotions,and creams. Such residue irritates the skin, and creates additionalfriction for skin-to-skin and other contact areas. The compositions usedin the inventive methods claimed herein may retain liquidity on theskin. The liquidity of the composition enables it to continuelubricating the skin, thereby minimizing friction and shear, and mayalso enable the composition to continue to knead the therapeuticingredients into the skin's cracks and crevices.

One advantage of this formulation is that moisture, either asperspiration or exudate, can readily leave the skin through the coating;the skin remains dry because the moisture cannot re-adhere to the skindue to the highly hydrophobic nature of the coating. The body's internalpressure that forces the liquid through the skin is sufficient toovercome the barriers associated with the hydrophobicity and diffusionalresistance associated with the coating. This is in contrast to thethicker coating associated with ointments that trap and accumulatemoisture intimately on the skin surface, leaving the skin vulnerable tomaceration.

In embodiments in which the particulate material include zinc oxide, thezinc oxide can have an average particle size of from about 0.01 micronsto about 100 microns. In another embodiment the average particle size isfrom about 0.01 microns to about 10 microns and in yet anotherembodiment from about 0.01 microns to about 1 micron. Zinc oxideparticles of from about 0.01 microns to about 0.1 microns are commonlyreferred to as microfine zinc oxide particles. A feature of microfinezinc oxide that is desirable in some applications is that the microfinezinc oxide is translucent when dispersed in a conventional fluid basematerial. Compositions including microfine zinc oxide therefore do nothave the characteristic opaque white appearance of formulationsincluding zinc oxide of larger particle sizes. It is also believed thatmicrofine zinc oxide provides additional advantages over largerparticulates, including a smoother film coating on the skin, lowerviscosity at the same overall zinc oxide loading, better penetration ofthe zinc oxide into the skin's cracks and crevices, more even coverage,and higher surface area providing for more reaction and therapeuticactivity.

It is also intended that the term “zinc oxide” encompass coated zincoxides. A typical coating is silicone-based and is used to help dispersethe zinc oxide in solution and to lower the viscosity of a zinc oxidemixture. It has been reported that uncoated zinc oxide particles swellin certain solvents, such as, for example, octyl palmitate. Oneadvantage of using coated zinc oxide is that silicone coated zinc oxideparticles are hydrophobic, non-reactive and not affected by water.Coated hydrophobized zinc oxides or particles also have a significantlydecreased photoreactivity, which makes them more resistant todegradation and more chemically inert than non-coated zinc oxides.Hydrophobized zinc oxide is therefore particularly useful incompositions that are applied to skin that is exposed to sunlight orother ultraviolet radiation.

The ratio of zinc oxide to fluid base material in this composition ispreferably selected such that the composition has a predeterminedviscosity at a given temperature. It is readily understood that theratio selected is dependent upon the desired viscosity for a givensystem. For example, different delivery systems may function optimallywhen used to deliver compositions having different overall viscosities.Further, the preferred ratio also depends upon the viscosity of thefluid base material selected for use and upon the particle sizedistribution of the zinc oxide. These and other factors may be readilydetermined and considered by a person of ordinary skill in the art,without undue experimentation, to make an inventive composition having asuitable viscosity. The composition in one embodiment comprises fromabout 1 to about 40 percent zinc oxide by weight. In alternativeembodiments, the zinc oxide content of the composition is from about 5to about 25 percent or from about 10 to about 15 percent. In oneembodiment, the composition comprises from about 20 to about 99 percentfluid base material by weight. In alternative embodiments, the fluidbase material content of the composition is from about 33 to about 80percent or from about 55 to about 75 percent.

The composition may also optionally include one or more of a widevariety of beneficial additives that may be incorporated for a varietyof reasons. For example, the composition may comprise a skinconditioning agent, for example lanolin or various vitamin agreements.It is understood that the term “lanolin” refers to the various forms oflanolin and its derivatives, such as, for example, lanolin oil, lanolinwax, and lanolin alcohols.

The composition may also include a moisture barrier material, such asparaffin, microcrystalline wax. Additionally or in the alternative, themoisture barrier material may include a hygroscopic petrolatum.Additional ingredients that may optionally be included in a compositionare fragrances, dyes, preservatives, anti-bacterial agents, anti-fungalagents and emollients. It is of course not intended that this list limitthe scope of the invention, but simply provide examples of ingredientsthat might be included in the compositions.

When including one or more beneficial additives, it is important toconsider the effect that the one or more additives have on the overallviscosity of the composition. Thus, adjustments of the zinc oxide tofluid base material ratio may be necessary to achieve a proper viscositywhen including one or more additives to achieve a desired combination ofadditional features.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the composition may also include fromabout 1 to about 16 percent lanolin by weight. In other alternativeembodiments, the lanolin content of the composition is from about 5 toabout 15 percent or from about 5 to about 10 percent. The compositionmay further include from about 1 to about 25 percent petrolatum byweight. In other alternative embodiments, the petrolatum content of thecomposition is from about 5 to about 15 percent or from about 5 to about10 percent.

An exemplary composition in the practice of the invention comprises fromabout 1 to about 40 percent zinc oxide, from about 20 to about 99percent fluid base material, from about 0 to about 16 percent lanolinand from about 0 to about 25 percent petrolatum, all by weight. In oneembodiment, the fluid base material comprises from about 20 to about 100percent mineral oil and from about 0 to about 20 percent silicone oil byweight. Alternatively, the fluid base material may comprise from about20 to about 100 percent silicone oil and from about 0 to about 20percent mineral oil by weight.

Another composition embodiment comprises from about 5 to about 25percent zinc oxide, from about 33 to about 80 percent fluid basematerial, from about 5 to about 15 percent lanolin and from about 5 toabout 15 percent petrolatum, all by weight. An additional compositionembodiment comprises from about 10 to about 15 percent zinc oxide, fromabout 55 to about 75 percent fluid base material, from about 5 to about10 percent lanolin and from about 5 to about 10 percent petrolatum, allby weight. The composition may also advantageously include from about 5to about 10 percent talc and/or microcrystalline wax to increase theviscosity of the composition. In one embodiment, the composition isclear or translucent.

A composition that has been found to have particularly excellentfeatures in accordance with the invention comprises about 25 percentzinc oxide, about 5 percent lanolin, about 5 percent petrolatum, about 5percent microcrystalline wax, about 40 percent mineral oil and about 20percent cyclomethicone, all by weight.

As mentioned above, other additives may be included in variousalternative composition embodiments, including conventional additivestypically employed in skin care compositions. For example, fragranceoils may be used to mask the odor of other ingredients and/or forcosmetic appeal. Dyes may also be used to color the composition. Inaddition, preservatives, such as, for example, DMDM hydantoin,methylparaben or other esters of parahydroxy benzoic acid, and the esterof propylparahydroxy benzoic acid and benzethonium chloride may be used.Other emollients such as aloe vera and vitamins A, D and E may also beused. Emulsion compositions described herein can also optionally includeadditional active ingredients such as antimicrobial agents,antibacterial agents and antifungal agents.

In one embodiment, the composition has a viscosity of from about 1 toabout 1000 centipoise, measured at room temperature using a Brookfieldviscometer. In another embodiment, the viscosity is from about 200 toabout 700 centipoise. In yet another embodiment, the viscosity is fromabout 300 to about 500 centipoise.

In one embodiment, the composition comprises 1 percent to 40 percent byweight of a solid particulate material such as zinc oxide, 20 percent to99 percent by weight of a fluid base material such as mineral oil,silicone oil, plant-based oil and mixtures thereof, and up to 30% byweight of water. In these and other embodiments, the composition mayfurther comprise one or more member selected from the group consistingof talc, lanolin, cod liver oil, petrolatum, paraffin wax andmicrocrystalline wax. In these and other embodiments, the compositionmay include at least one of a fragrance, a dye, a preservative, and anemollient.

In another illustrative embodiment, the composition comprises 20 percentto 30 percent by weight zinc oxide, 30 percent to 60 percent by weightof a fluid base material comprising mineral oil and cyclomethicone, 1percent to 16 percent by weight of lanolin, 1 percent to 25 percent byweight of petrolatum and 1 percent to 10 percent by weight ofmicrocrystalline wax.

In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 5 percent to 30percent zinc oxide by weight; and 20 percent to 95 percent by weight ofa fluid base material comprising at least one of mineral oil, siliconeoil, and plant-based oil.

In an exemplary embodiment, the composition comprises 10 percent to 15percent zinc oxide by weight, 1 percent to 16 percent by weight lanolin,1 percent to 25 percent by weight petrolatum, up to 30 percent by weightwater, and 47 percent to 97 percent by weight of a fluid base materialcomprising at least one of mineral oil, silicone oil, and plant-basedoil.

In another exemplary embodiment, the composition comprises 10 percent to30 percent by weight of hydrophobized zinc oxide, and 20 percent to 90percent by weight of a fluid base material selected from the groupconsisting of mineral oil, silicone oil, plant-based oil and mixturesthereof.

In certain embodiments, the composition comprises particulate zincoxide, at least one of an anti-bacterial and an anti-fungal material,and at least one of a mineral oil, a silicone oil, a plant-based oil,and cod liver oil.

A composition as described above may be made by mixing the ingredientsand heating the mixture to an elevated temperature below thedecomposition temperature of the ingredients. Heating is useful toensure that any solid ingredients are melted, dissolved and/or dispersedin the composition and to more efficiently and stably achieve anacceptable degree of mixing. The mixture is preferably heated to atemperature in a range of from about 40° C. to about 75° C. Whentemperature sensitive ingredients, such as, for example, vitaminadditives or fragrances, are included in an inventive composition, theseingredients should be added after the mixture's temperature has beenlowered to below about 40° C. A high shear mixer, such as a triple rollmixer or Charles Ross & Son Company's high-speed mixer-emulsifier, mayadvantageously be used to assist in the development of a uniform, stablecomposition.

Referring to FIG. 1, the composition can be applied to a skin treatmentsurface by atomizing the composition 5 and propelling the atomizedcomposition toward the surface using a suitable atomizing spraydispenser 10 comprising a container 20 and an atomizing spray deliverymechanism 24. The illustrated atomizing spray delivery mechanism 24releases the composition 5 from the container 20 through an outlet port28 when a valve is mechanically actuated. In the illustrated embodiment,the mechanism 24 features a reciprocating actuator 26.

An exemplary atomizing spray delivery mechanism that may be used inaccordance with the invention is an atomizing pump spray dispenser 40, arepresentative example of which is depicted in FIG. 2. As used herein,the term “atomizing pump spray dispenser” is intended to refer to adevice that, upon activation of a mechanical pump, such as gear pump 43of FIG. 2, draws a composition 5 from a container 20, atomizes thecomposition, and propels the atomized composition substantially in apredetermined direction. It is understood that the composition 5 drawnfrom container 20 preferably enters a conduit in fluid communicationwith the pump and having an inlet port 42 positioned near the bottom ofcontainer 20. “Atomizing” a composition refers to the separation of thecomposition into relatively small unitary masses (i.e., typically on theorder of about 1 to about 100 microns).

It is important to recognize that the term “pump dispenser” has beenused in the prior art to refer to devices for drawing a cream, lotion orointment from a container and propelling a stream of the cream, lotionor ointment, such as, into the palm of ones hand. This type of dispenseris distinguished from an “atomizing pump spray dispenser” as describedherein, because a pump dispenser for propelling a stream of a cream,lotion or ointment is incapable of atomizing the cream, lotion orointment into an atomized mist or spray. It is understood that theunitary masses, when propelled from an atomizing pump spray dispenser,form a mist or a spray. When the atomized composition is directed towarda given surface at a suitable velocity, the unitary masses adhere to thesurface to provide a thin, often buttery, coating of the composition onthe surface.

A wide variety of atomizing pump spray dispensers are commerciallyavailable, as are a wide variety of designs for actuating the dispensersand for atomizing the composition. While it is not intended that theinvention be limited by the design of the atomizing pump spraydispensers, representative examples are set forth in U.S. Pat. No.5,639,025 to Bush, U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,925 to Ando, and U.S. Pat. No.5,249,747 to Hanson et al.

Another atomizing spray dispenser that may be used in accordance withthe invention is a pressure release device. As used herein, the term“pressure release device” is intended to refer to a device that containsa composition under pressure, and, when actuated, opens a valve torelease the composition from the pressurized compartment, atomizes thecomposition, and propels the atomized composition substantially in apredetermined direction by using energy provided by the force of thepressure. The composition may advantageously be maintained underpressure by placing the composition in a pressurized compartment of thecontainer. The composition is releasably contained in the pressurizedcompartment and when a manually actuating valve is opened, thecomposition is released from the compartment, atomized, and releasedfrom the device as an atomized spray.

In certain embodiments, a representative example of which is depicted inFIG. 3, the pressure release device is a piston-style dispenser 60, andpressure is maintained on the composition 5 by pressure of a piston 62.In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure of the piston 62 is providedby placement of a pressurized gas 64 beneath the piston 62, whichplacement may be advantageously achieved by introducing gas 64 through agas charging port 66. Alternatively, pressure on the piston may beachieved by a spring loaded mechanism beneath the piston. Suchpiston-style dispensers are commercially available, as are a widevariety of designs for actuating the dispensers and for atomizing thecomposition contained therein. While it is not intended that theinvention be limited by the design of the piston-style can,representative examples are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,134,523 toHansen.

In other embodiments, representative examples of which are depicted inFIGS. 4 and 5, the pressure release device comprises a bag-in-can-styledispenser 70. The pressurized compartment of such a container is apolymeric bag 72 received inside a rigid can 73. Pressure is maintainedon the composition 5 inside the bag 72. In one embodiment, arepresentative example of which is depicted in FIG. 4, the pressure ismaintained upon the composition by a pressurizing gas 74 received in thecan 73 and externally to the bag 72. In the illustrated embodiment, thepressurizing gas 74 can be placed in the can 73 by introducing gas 74through a gas charging port 76. In another embodiment, an example ofwhich is depicted in FIG. 5, the bag 72 is an elastic shape-memory bag,and pressure is maintained upon the composition 5 by maintaining the bagin an expanded state. This type of container is commonly referred to asa bladder pack container.

A wide variety of bag-in-can-style containers are commerciallyavailable, as are a wide variety of designs for actuating the dispensersand for atomizing the composition contained therein. While it is notintended that the invention be limited by the design of thebag-in-can-style container, representative examples are set forth inU.S. Pat. No. 3,788,521 to Laauwe, U.S. Pat. No. 4,510,734 to Banks etal., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,747 to Hanson et al.

Another atomizing spray dispenser that may be used in accordance withthe invention, a representative example of which is shown in FIG. 6, isan aerosol device 80. As used herein, the term “aerosol device” isintended to refer to a device that delivers the spray treatmentcomposition by entraining the same in a carrier stream comprising aninert pressurized propellant gas 82. When such a device is actuated, thecomposition is released from the container, entrained in a gaseousstream, atomized, and propelled substantially in a predetermineddirection by using energy provided by the pressurized gas. It isunderstood that the composition and carrier gas may alternately becontained in the container in a pre-mixed form, whereby actuation of thedevice results in a substantially constant release of the mixture. Awide variety of aerosol containers are commercially available, as are awide variety of designs for actuating the dispensers and for atomizingthe compositions contained therein. While it is not intended that theinvention be limited by the design of the aerosol container,representative examples are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,001,391 toFeinstone et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,187,985 to Goth, U.S. Pat. No.4,239,407 to Knight, U.S. Pat. No. 4,495,168 to Schmolka, U.S. Pat. No.5,788,389 to de Laforcade, and U.S. Pat. No. RE030,093 to Burger.

While a wide variety of configurations and styles of atomizing spraydispensers are known in the art, the known prior art does not discloseor suggest the present invention, in which excellent treatmentcompositions are delivered to an animal skin surface from an atomizingspray dispenser. In view of the above, one system that may be used toachieve efficient treatment is depicted in FIG. 1 and includes atreatment composition as described herein and an atomizing spraydispenser 10 for atomizing the composition and delivering the atomizedcomposition to an animal skin treatment area. In the illustratedembodiment, the dispenser 10 comprises a container 20, an atomizingspray delivery mechanism 24 affixed to the container 20, and thecomposition 5 positioned in the container 20. The mechanism includes aninlet port in fluid communication with the interior of the container forreceiving the composition, a device for atomizing the composition, andan outlet port for propelling the atomized composition substantially ina predetermined direction. It is readily understood that, in use, theinlet port must be in contact with the composition. In otherembodiments, the spraying or atomizing may be achieved through the useof an atomizing pump spray dispenser, a piston-style dispenser, or anaerosol dispenser, as described above.

Having illustrated and described the composition and the deliverymechanism, exemplary methods for selecting an animal skin treatment areawill now be described.

In certain embodiments, the selecting includes identifying an animalskin treatment area having a wound. In certain embodiments, theselecting includes identifying an animal skin treatment area having aweeping wound. In other embodiments, the selecting includes identifyingan animal skin treatment area having a pressure ulcer. In someembodiments, the selecting includes identifying an open wound on theskin of the animal.

The selecting may further include determining a condition of thetreatment area. For example, the selecting may include determining thatthe skin treatment area is at risk for maceration, and applying thecomposition based at least in part upon the determining. Alternatively,the selecting may include determining that the treatment area is at riskfor dryness or cracking.

The selecting may include determining that the treatment area will beexposed to ultraviolet radiation, for example due to exposure to thesun. In response to the determining, the composition applied to thetreatment area may comprise a particulate matter including hydrophobizedzinc oxide, for example to prevent degradation of the composition orradiation damage to the underlying wound.

In certain embodiments, the selecting includes determining that thewound would benefit from both oxygen diffusion and a selective barrierto the passage of liquid. This may be based at least in part upon thenature of the wound. For example, open wounds and weeping wounds mayrequire more oxygen diffusion than minor cuts and abrasions. In responseto the determining, the composition is applied to the wound.

In some embodiments, the selecting includes determining that the skintreatment area is sensitive to the touch, for example due to exposednerve endings. In such a case, physical contact with the treatmentarea—as would occur with a conventional ointment—may result in anadverse reaction from the animal, such as kicking, biting, orscratching. The selecting may therefore further include determining thatphysical contact with the treatment area is likely to irritate theanimal, which may result in one or more of the above-listed adversereactions. In response to the determining, the composition is sprayedonto the treatment area such that the treatment area does not come intocontact with an applicator, thereby reducing the discomfort to theanimal.

The selecting may include identifying a skin treatment area having bothan open wound and either hair or fur growing in or around the wound. Insuch a case, the composition is sprayed onto the treatment area. Therelatively low viscosity of the composition allows it to bypass thehair, such that more complete coverage of the treatment area is obtainedthan would be available with a conventional ointment.

As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art in view of theabove descriptions, in one aspect of the present disclosure, there isprovided a method that includes (i) identifying an animal skin treatmentarea having an adverse skin condition; (ii) determining that thetreatment area is at risk for at least one of skin maceration, exposureto ultraviolet radiation and infection; and (iii) based at least in parton the determining, applying a composition to the treatment area, thecomposition having a viscosity of from about 1 to about 1000 centipoise.The applying includes spraying the composition such that the sprayedcomposition contacts the treatment area.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a methodthat includes (i) providing a treatment system comprising a dispenserand a treatment composition having a viscosity of from about 1 to about1000 centipoise; wherein the dispenser comprises a container and anatomizing spray delivery mechanism affixed to the container; and whereinthe treatment composition is positioned in the container; (ii)identifying an animal skin treatment area exhibiting signs of an adverseskin condition; (iii) in response to the identifying, passing thecomposition through the atomizing spray delivery mechanism to atomizethe composition and to propel the atomized composition toward the skintreatment area; and (iv) leaving said composition on the skin treatmentarea to form a coating.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method fortreating animal skin that includes (i) providing a treatment systemcomprising an atomizing spray dispenser and a treatment composition;wherein the dispenser comprises a container and an atomizing spraydelivery mechanism affixed to the container; and wherein the compositionis positioned in the container; (ii) selecting a skin treatment area ofan animal; (iii) passing the composition through the mechanism toatomize the composition and to propel the atomized composition towardthe skin-treatment area; and (iv) leaving said composition on the skintreatment area to form a coating.

In still another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method thatincludes (i) identifying an animal skin treatment area having an adverseskin condition; and (ii) in response to the identifying, atomizing acomposition such that at least a portion of the atomized compositiontravels to the skin treatment area, wherein the composition has aviscosity of from about 1 to about 1000 centipoise.

Further embodiments of the above methods include the following:

1. The method of any other embodiment wherein the composition comprisesfrom about 1 percent to about 40 percent by weight of a solidparticulate material; from about 20 percent to about 99 percent byweight of a fluid base material comprising at least one Materialselected from the group consisting of mineral oil, silicone oil,plant-based oil; and up to about 30 percent by weight of water.2. The method of any other embodiment wherein the solid particulatematerial comprises particulate zinc oxide.3. The method of any other embodiment wherein the particulate zinc oxidehas an average particle size of from about 0.01 microns to about 10microns.4. The method of any other embodiment wherein the composition furthercomprises from about 5 percent to about 30 percent by weight of at leastone skin conditioning agent such as lanolin.5. The method of any other embodiment wherein the composition furthercomprises from about 1 percent to about 10 percent by weight of at leastone viscosity-increasing material selected from the group consisting oftalc, paraffin wax and microcrystalline wax.6. The method of any other embodiment wherein the spraying includesatomizing the composition with one of an atomizing spray dispenser, anatomizing pump spray dispenser, a piston-style dispenser, and an aerosoldispenser.7. The method of any other embodiment wherein the composition comprisesfrom about 20 percent to about 30 percent by weight of the solidparticulate material, wherein the solid particulate material is zincoxide; from about 30 percent to about 60 percent by weight of the fluidbase material, wherein the fluid base material comprises mineral oil andcyclomethicone; and wherein the composition further comprises: fromabout 1 percent to about 16 percent by weight of lanolin; from about 1percent to about 25 percent by weight of petrolatum; and from about 1percent to about 10 percent by weight of microcrystalline wax.8. The method of any other embodiment wherein the adverse skin conditionis selected from a wound, a scratch, a rash, inflammation, itching,dryness and cracking.9. The method of any other embodiment wherein the adverse skin conditionis selected from an open wound and a wound that produces exudate.10. The method of any other embodiment wherein the adverse skincondition is selected from a laceration, an abrasion, and a puncturewound.11. The method of any other embodiment wherein the animal is a mammal.12. The method of any other embodiment wherein the treatment compositioncomprises from about 1 percent to about 40 percent by weight of a solidparticulate material, from about 20 percent to about 99 percent byweight of a fluid base material selected from the group consisting ofmineral oil, silicone oil, plant-based oil and mixtures thereof, andfrom 0 percent to about 30 percent water by weight.13. The method of any other embodiment wherein the fluid base materialcomprises at least one of cyclomethicone and dimethicone.14. The method of any other embodiment wherein the composition furthercomprises a skin emollient such as lanolin.15. The method of any other embodiment wherein the solid materialcomprises at least one of talc, calamine and kaolin.16. The method of any other embodiment, further comprising determiningthat the adverse skin condition is in need of protection from anenvironmental factor, including weather or sun; and wherein thecomposition comprises from about 10 percent to about 30 percent byweight of hydrophobized zinc oxide; and from about 20 percent to about90 percent by weight of a fluid base material selected from the groupconsisting of mineral oil, silicone oil, plant-based oil and mixturesthereof.17. The method of any other embodiment wherein the composition comprisesat least one of an anti-bacterial and an anti-fungal material.18. The method of any other embodiment wherein the animal is selectedfrom the group consisting of horse, cow, pig, sheep, chicken, dog, cat,bird, and other small pet.

Compositions described herein are effective in combating bacterial andfungal infections even without an additional antibacterial or antifungalingredient since they are hygroscopic and allow diffusion of moistureacross the coating to help keep the skin area dry. Possible bacteriathat can be killed include: Clostridium difficile, Vancomycin ResistantEnterococcus faecalis (VRE), Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA), Acinetobacter baumanii, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus niger,Escherichia coli, Bacillus atrophaeus, Mycobacterium bovis, Chlamydiatrachomatis, Clostridium perfringens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Enterococcus hirae, Salmonella typhi, Candida albicans, parapsilasis,Aspergillus fumigaus Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and combinationsthereof.

Various changes and modifications to the described embodiments describedherein will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and such changesand modifications can be made without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention and without diminishing its intended advantages.Additionally, while the invention has been illustrated and described indetail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to beconsidered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it beingunderstood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown anddescribed and that all changes and modifications that come within thespirit of the invention are desired to be protected.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for treating a skin treatment area of anon-human animal having fur or hair, comprising: identifying a skintreatment area of a non-human animal having fur or hair thereon andexhibiting an adverse skin condition that causes the skin treatment areato have a greater risk, relative to a second portion of the non-humananimal's skin that is not affected by the adverse skin condition, for atleast one of skin maceration, exposure to ultraviolet radiation,self-inflicted injury and infection, wherein the fur or hair is on orpart of the skin treatment area; and spraying onto the skin treatmentarea, without removing the fur or hair, a composition comprising a solidparticulate material suspended in a fluid base material comprising asilicone oil to form a hydrophobic moisture barrier on the skintreatment area, the composition having a viscosity of from about 200 toabout 700 centipoise, measured at room temperature using a Brookfieldviscometer.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the solidparticulate material comprises particulate zinc oxide.
 3. The methodaccording to claim 2, wherein the particulate zinc oxide has an averageparticle size of from about 0.01 microns to about 10 microns.
 4. Themethod according to claim 1, wherein the composition further comprisesfrom about 5 percent to about 30 percent by weight of at least one skinconditioning agent relative to the weight of the composition.
 5. Themethod according to claim 4 wherein the skin conditioning agentcomprises lanolin.
 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein thecomposition further comprises from about 1 percent to about 10 percentby weight of at least one viscosity-increasing material selected fromthe group consisting of talc, paraffin wax and microcrystalline waxrelative to the weight of the composition.
 7. The method of claim 1,wherein the spraying includes atomizing the composition with one of anatomizing spray dispenser, an atomizing pump spray dispenser, apiston-style dispenser; and an aerosol dispenser.
 8. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises: from about 20percent to about 30 percent by weight of the solid particulate materialrelative to the weight of the composition; wherein the solid particulatematerial is zinc oxide, from about 30 percent to about 60 percent byweight of the fluid base material relative to the weight of thecomposition, wherein the fluid base material comprises mineral oil andcyclomethicone; and wherein the composition further comprises: fromabout 1 percent to about 16 percent by weight of lanolin relative to theweight of the composition; from about 1 percent to about 25 percent byweight of petrolatum relative to the weight of the composition; and fromabout 1 percent to about 10 percent by weight of microcrystalline waxrelative to the weight of the composition.
 9. The method according toclaim 1, wherein the adverse skin condition is selected from a wound, ascratch, a rash, inflammation, itching, dryness and cracking.
 10. Themethod according to claim 1, wherein the adverse skin condition isselected from an open wound and a wound that produces exudate.
 11. Themethod according to claim 1, wherein the adverse skin condition isselected from a laceration, an abrasion, and a puncture wound.
 12. Themethod according to claim 1, wherein the non-human animal is a mammal.13. A method for treating a skin treatment area of a non-human animalhaving fur or hair, comprising: providing a treatment system comprisinga dispenser and a treatment composition having a viscosity of from about200 to about 700 centipoise, measured at room temperature using aBrookfield viscometer; wherein the dispenser comprises a container andan atomizing spray delivery mechanism affixed to the container; whereinthe treatment composition comprises a solid particulate materialsuspended in a fluid base material comprising a silicone oil, andwherein the treatment composition is positioned in the container;identifying a skin treatment area of a non-human animal having fur orhair thereon and exhibiting signs of an adverse skin condition, whereinthe fur or hair is on or part of the skin treatment area; in response tothe identifying, without removing the fur or hair, passing thecomposition through the atomizing spray delivery mechanism to atomizethe composition and to propel the atomized composition toward the skintreatment area; and leaving said composition on the skin treatment areato form a hydrophobic moisture barrier on the skin treatment area. 14.The method according to claim 13, wherein the solid particulate materialcomprises particulate zinc oxide.
 15. The method according to claim 13,wherein the fluid base material comprises at least one of cyclomethiconeand dimethicone.
 16. The method according to claim 13, wherein thecomposition further comprises at least one skin conditioning agent. 17.The method according to claim 16 wherein the skin conditioning agentcomprises lanolin.
 18. The method according to claim 13, wherein thesolid particulate material comprises at least one of talc, calamine andkaolin.
 19. A method for treating a skin treatment area of a non-humananimal having fur or hair, comprising: providing a treatment systemcomprising an atomizing spray dispenser and a treatment composition;wherein the dispenser comprises a container and an atomizing spraydelivery mechanism affixed to the container; wherein the treatmentcomposition comprises a solid particulate material suspended in a fluidbase material comprising a silicone oil and has a viscosity of fromabout 200 to about 700 centipoise, measured at room temperature using aBrookfield viscometer, and wherein the composition is positioned in thecontainer; selecting the skin treatment area of the non-human animal,wherein the fur or hair is on or part of the skin treatment area;without removing the fur or hair, passing the composition through themechanism to atomize the composition and to propel the atomizedcomposition toward the skin treatment area; and leaving said compositionon the skin treatment area to form a hydrophobic moisture barrier on theskin treatment area.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein the non-humananimal is selected from the group consisting of horse, cow, pig, sheep,dog, cat, and other pet.
 21. The method of claim 19, further comprisingdetermining that the adverse skin condition is in need of protectionfrom an environmental factor; and wherein the composition comprises fromabout 10 percent to about 30 percent by weight of hydrophobized zincoxide relative to the weight of the composition; and from about 20percent to about 90 percent by weight of the fluid base materialrelative to the weight of the composition.
 22. The method of claim 19,wherein the composition comprises at least one of an anti-bacterial andan anti-fungal material.
 23. The method according to claim 1, whereinthe composition further comprises at least one additive exhibiting ataste that is configured to be unpleasant to an animal if ingested. 24.The method according to claim 20, wherein the non-human animal isselected from the group consisting of hamster, gerbil, rabbit, guineapig, ferret, and mouse.
 25. The method according to claim 20, whereinthe non-human animal is selected from the group consisting of camel, andzebra.